About Us
The sun peeks over the verdant canyon walls and awakens this South Laguna Beach hidden gem, quietly tucked into Aliso Canyon just moments from the Pacific Ocean. Its 87 acres have become a place of respite, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty, farm-to-table cuisine at Harvest Restaurant, and the necessary trappings of an elevated resort – 97 cottage inspired rooms, nine sublime fairways, a boutique spa, biodynamic farm and countless amenities and activities. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a sought after and award-winning destination where guests can disconnect from the frenetic energy of everyday life.
Resort Highlights
Our resort offers adventure and luxury from canyon to coast. Dine at our signature restaurant Harvest, beach cafe, or opt for an unmatched room service experience. From golfing in the canyon to relaxing at the spa, or lounging poolside before drinks by the fire, life is best enjoyed at The Ranch at Laguna Beach.
- Located in the Aliso & Wood Canyons
- Access to Aliso Beach
- Outdoor Saline Pool & Hot Tub
- Beach Cafe
- Three Meal Signature Restaurant
- Spa & Fitness Center
- In-Room Dining
- 9-Hole Golf Course
- Check-in: 4:00pm
Check-out: 12:00pm - EV Charging Stations
Our Legacy
Rich in history, the legacy of this land is distinctive, appreciated and showcased throughout the resort. As you stroll the grounds, the history comes alive through historic site plaques, old photo displays and an organic garden where we grow our interpretation of the famous Thurston melons. Our partnerships with Laguna Beach conservation groups provide a wide array of programs to expose, unlock and reveal all that is Laguna.
Our Team
Mark Christy
Mark Christy is a lifetime Laguna Beach resident. He’s active in his beloved town of Laguna Beach as the owner of Hobie Sports, president of Laguna Beach Properties, co-owner of Tuvalu home furnishings, partner in La Sirena Grill and a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. As an individual and a businessman, Mark has tirelessly worked toward making Laguna Beach a better place to live and work, donating his personal time and money to various local causes and efforts, including Schoolpower, the Boys & Girls Club, Laguna Beach Little League, numerous educational programs, youth sports organizations and many other local causes.
Mark recently headed up a group of local investors to form Laguna Beach Golf & Bungalow Village, LLC, to purchase the former Aliso Creek Inn, now reborn as The Ranch at Laguna Beach. The vision for The Ranch LB is inspired by the love and respect that the partners have for this iconic property. Together they intend to make this resort an integral part of the Laguna Beach community for generations to come.
“There is something genuinely magical and timeless about this natural setting,” Mark says. “I really don’t believe that there is anything comparable in Southern California. With that in mind, we plan to preserve its integrity while embracing the future.”
Kurt Bjorkman
Kurt Bjorkman has dedicated his entire career to passionately serving others. With over three decades of experience, Kurt has built a remarkable journey across prestigious organizations, beginning as a dive tour instructor with Norwegian Cruise Lines. His journey continued at The Buena Vista Palace, where he was mentored by top industry leaders, shaping his path in hospitality. From there, he expanded his expertise through roles at The Desert Inn, The Mirage Las Vegas, The Regent Las Vegas, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in San Francisco and Santa Monica, Viceroy Palm Springs and Santa Monica, and La Quinta Resort.
Kurt also founded the hotel consultancy company, over5 Hospitality, where he served independent hotels, focusing on development and entitlements with clients including Baha Mar in the Bahamas. Prior to over5, Kurt held leadership roles at prominent properties including Manchester Resorts, Pacific Edge Laguna Beach, and Montage Hotels & Resorts. For the past 14 years, he has been at the helm of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, a boutique coastal resort in the heart of Orange County.
Kurt’s leadership extends beyond his career roles, having served on boards such as the Las Vegas Art Museum, Vice Chair and Chair for Visit Laguna Beach, and advisory positions at Beyond Green and INTELITY. An avid outdoorsman, Kurt is passionate about activities on and under the water and is an industry authority on sustainability, regenerative resort operations, and luxury travel experiences. He recently summited Mt. Whitney and completed his third “14er,” showcasing his deep commitment to outdoor adventure and pushing personal limits both professionally and personally.
Laurie Alter
As a native of the city, Laurie Alter lives and breathes Laguna. The coastal-centric design that permeates every space at The Ranch LB comes courtesy of her hand. Laurie is an interior designer by profession and a boutique owner by passion. She founded Tuvalu Home—part décor destination and part design studio—in downtown Laguna Beach in 2003. Laurie’s vision for The Ranch LB was to intermingle the history of the storied property with the comforts of modern day. The overwhelming sense of welcome and warmth she created puts visitors at ease to take pleasure in the many pursuits, from golfing to dining to relaxing at the spa, as if they were enjoying their very own slice of Laguna. In bringing this environment to life through skillful design, Laurie captured the very essence of what The Ranch LB is all about: A place where the Laguna coast, which captivates all who visit, feels so very much like home.
